Why break boards?

The old line of “Boards don’t fight back.” is very true. What that line does not consider is why we break boards, bricks, etc. One simple reason is to test the power of a technique. When a martial arts practitioner uses breaking as part of their training, it gives us a means of trying out the power of a technique. Practicing breaking a board, cement slab, etc. lets us know that we are generating enough power with that technique to cause damage to the human body when necessary, as in defending against a violent attacker. Another reason is, as seen in these videos, it’s very empowering to both newer students and more experienced students.